annotated bibliography for 6 sources

annotated bibliography for 6 sources
WHY IS IT SO HARD TO KEEP ADEQUATE NURSES IN STAFF AFTER THE PANDEMIC Name Institutional Affiliations WHY IS IT SO HARD TO KEEP ADEQUATE NURSES IN STAFF AFTER THE PANDEMIC The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on healthcare systems worldwide. One of the most significant challenges facing healthcare organizations during the pandemic has been staffing shortages, especially for nurses. Even before the pandemic, nursing shortages were a significant concern in many countries. The pandemic has only exacerbated the issue, with nurses working longer hours, dealing with increased stress, and facing a higher risk of infection. In this paper, we will examine why it is so hard to keep adequate nurses on staff after the pandemic, how inadequate staffing impacts the physical, mental, and emotional health of nurses, and the rise of workplace violence resulting from inadequate staffing. The Toll of Stress on Nurses’ Physical, Mental, and Emotional Health Nurses are on the front lines of the pandemic response, working tirelessly to care for patients and keep them safe. The stress of working in such an intense environment has taken a toll on nurses’ physical, mental, and emotional health. Many nurses are working long hours, often without adequate breaks or rest, which can lead to physical exhaustion and burnout. Nurses are also at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19, which has led to increased anxiety and stress (Montoya et al., 2021). The pandemic has also impacted the mental and emotional health of nurses. Many nurses have reported feeling overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed as a result of the pandemic. They are dealing with high levels of uncertainty, including concerns about their own health and the health of their loved ones. They are also dealing with the emotional toll of caring for critically ill patients and the loss of patients to the virus. Inadequate staffing exacerbates the toll of stress on nurses. When there are not enough nurses on staff to meet patient needs, the remaining nurses’ workload increases. This leads to even greater levels of stress and burnout. The shortage of nurses has also led to nurses being asked to work in areas outside of their expertise, which can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Additionally, inadequate staffing can contribute to increased workplace violence toward nurses. Nurses are often on the receiving end of verbal and physical aggression from patients and their families (Thapa et al., 2022). The stress of the pandemic and the increased workload only exacerbates this problem. When there are not enough nurses to handle patient needs, tensions can rise, and patients and their families may become more irritable and prone to lash out at healthcare workers. This puts nurses at risk of physical harm and can have long-lasting psychological effects. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of nurses in our healthcare system, but it has also exposed longstanding issues with staffing and resources. Addressing these issues is crucial for ensuring that nurses can continue providing high-quality care to their patients without compromising their health and well-being. This includes providing adequate staffing levels, resources, and support for nurses’ physical, mental, and emotional health. It also addresses the underlying issues contributing to the nursing shortage, such as low pay and lack of professional development opportunities. By taking steps to support nurses, we can ensure that they can continue to provide the critical care that our communities rely on. Nurse Violence as an Effect of Short Staff The shortage of nurses has also led to an increase in workplace violence. Nurses are often the targets of violence in the workplace, including physical and verbal abuse from patients and their families. This severe issue impacts the safety and well-being of nurses and can also affect patient care. The shortage of nurses has worsened the problem, as nurses are often forced to work in high-stress environments with fewer resources and support. This can lead to greater frustration and aggression from patients and their families (Hekel et al., 2021). The increase in workplace violence can also lead to greater stress and anxiety levels for nurses, further exacerbating the physical, mental, and emotional toll of their work. Nurse violence is a serious issue that cannot be ignored. According to a survey conducted by the Emergency Nurses Association (ENA), more than half of emergency department nurses have experienced physical violence in the workplace, and more than 70% have experienced verbal abuse. The same survey found that 82% of emergency department nurses believe that workplace violence negatively impacts patient care, and 63% believe that it negatively impacts their mental and emotional health. The shortage of nurses has only made the problem worse. Nurses are often forced to work in high-stress environments with fewer resources and support. This can lead to greater frustration and aggression from patients and their families (Lusk et al., 2022). The increase in workplace violence can also lead to greater stress and anxiety levels for nurses, further exacerbating the physical, mental, and emotional toll of their work. In addition to the impact on nurses, workplace violence can also impact patient care. Nurses who are the victims of violence may be unable to provide the care patients need, which can lead to negative health outcomes. Healthcare organizations must take steps to address the issue of nurse violence. This includes implementing training programs for nurses and other healthcare staff on preventing and responding to workplace violence. It also includes providing resources and support for nurses who are victims of violence, such as counseling and time off to recover. Healthcare organizations should also work to create a culture of safety and respect in the workplace, where violence is not tolerated, and all staff are empowered to speak out about safety concerns. The Impact of COVID-19 on Nurses’ Performance The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted healthcare systems worldwide, including the performance of nurses. Nurses are often the first point of contact for patients with COVID-19, and they are responsible for providing care and support to these patients. The pandemic has created several challenges for nurses, including shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) and other resources, increased patient loads, and a higher risk of infection (Haddad et al., 2022). These challenges have impacted the performance of nurses, leading to increased stress and burnout and potentially compromising patient care. Inadequate staffing has also contributed to these challenges, making it even harder for nurses to provide high-quality care. The impact of the pandemic on nurses’ performance underscores the importance of ensuring that healthcare systems are adequately staffed and resourced to meet the needs of patients and nurses. Furthermore, the pandemic has also highlighted the need for nurses to have access to ongoing education and training to ensure they are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to provide effective care for patients with COVID-19. Nurses have had to quickly adapt to new protocols and guidelines related to managing COVID-19 patients. Ongoing education and training are essential to ensure they are up-to-date with the latest information and best practices (Li & Hasson, 2020). The impact of the pandemic on nurses’ performance has also highlighted the need for greater support and recognition of nurses’ critical role in healthcare systems. This includes providing nurses with access to mental health resources, recognition for their work, and appropriate compensation and benefits. Investing in the well-being of nurses is essential to ensure that healthcare systems are sustainable in the long term and that patients receive the high-quality care they deserve. Conclusion In conclusion, the inadequate staffing issues healthcare nurses are dealing with after the pandemic are causing a toll on their physical, mental, and emotional health, leading to a rise in workplace violence. The stress of working in such an overwhelming and challenging environment is taking a significant toll on the nurses’ well-being. Nurses are the backbone of the healthcare industry and play a crucial role in ensuring patients receive the best care possible. However, the shortage of nurses due to the pandemic has led to a situation where nurses are overworked, overstressed, and under-resourced, causing a severe impact on their health and the quality of care they provide. References Haddad, L. M., Annamaraju, P., & Toney-Butler, T. J. (2023). Nursing shortage. In StatPearls [Internet]. StatPearls Publishing. Hekel, B., Branson, S., Lim, E., Michel, A., & Fontenot, H. B. (2021). Factors associated with Texas Nurses’ Consideration to Leave the Nursing Workforce: Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic. Texas Public Health Journal, 73(4). Li, Z. S., & Hasson, F. (2020). Resilience, stress, and psychological well-being in nursing students: A systematic review. Nurse education today, 90, 104440. Lusk, J. B., Xu, H., Thomas, L. E., Cohen, L. W., Hernandez, A. F., Forrest, C. B., … & Barrett, N. J. (2022). Racial/ethnic disparities in healthcare worker experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic: An analysis of the HERO registry. EClinicalMedicine, 45, 101314. Montoya, V., Donnini, K., Gauthier-Loiselle, M., Sanon, M., Cloutier, M., Maitland, J., … & Kear, T. (2021). Mental Health and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Nephrology Nurses: A Survey-Based Cross-Sectional Study. Nephrology Nursing Journal, 48(5). Thapa, D. R., Subedi, M., Ekström-Bergström, A., Areskoug Josefsson, K., & Krettek, A. (2022). Facilitators for and barriers to nurses’ work-related health-a qualitative study. BMC nursing, 21(1), 1-13.